A charming village lies below majestic peaks. Nature at its most vibrant under an ever-present sun. Here, a guest lingers in an olive grove, while others relax on their private terrace - villa doors flung open to welcome the outdoors in. The pace is serene, embracing of life. And yet every sense— sight, sound, taste and touch—is intensified. The feel is pure Tuscan but the setting is much closer to home...
Miramonte Resort & Spa brings the spirit of Tuscany to the California desert community of Indian Wells, just minutes from Palm Springs. A collection of villas set amidst 11 acres of bougainvillea-filled gardens and Italian fountains, this intimate resort provides sanctuary from the pace of 21st century living. Now, this village is undergoing a multi-million-dollar renovation that will add a 12,000 square foot spa, double their existing meeting space and infuse the guest rooms with even more warmth and Tuscan appointments.
The outside world fades immediately as guests arrive at Miramonte. Approaching the entrance, one's eyes are drawn above the entry doors to a trompe l'oeil mural depicting a window, spilling over with bright blooms, from a centuries-old Tuscan villa. It is a small but meaningful detail that sets the tone for what guests will experience during their stay.
Inside, the lobby manages to convey the grandness of an Italian mansion. Here, guests will find the Vineyard Lounge - a comfortable setting where guests can enjoy signature martinis, fine wines and cordials while listening to the soft sounds of local jazz artists. A short stroll across the lobby and guests can experience Brissago, a casual and inviting dining room offering Mediterranean-inspired specialties presented Tuscan family-style.
Beyond the lobby guests are drawn into Miramonte's lush gardens. A grand Italian fountain rises in front of a stunning view of the Santa Rosa Mountains, competing for the eye with the vivid hues of bougainvillea that hang from every balcony. The aromas of citrus, rosemary, lavender and roses perfume the air while the sounds of gently cascading water create a sanctuary of tranquility far removed from the world outside. Citrus groves and olive tress abound throughout Miramonte's gardens; Miramonte uses the fresh lemons from the citrus trees to create their signature lemonade and other specialty drinks.
Pathways meander throughout the grounds, leading guests to their accommodations, which are located in 14 two-story villas nestled around Miramonte's two swimming pools. The villas are of charming, Northern Italian architecture, with red-tiled roofs, bougainvillea draped balconies and arched breezeways paved with terra cotta tile.
Within the villas are 215 generously-sized guest rooms and suites, each with a private terrace. Guests will find every comfort here allowing them an idyllic escape from everyday life, yet providing the ability to instantly connect to it if they so choose.
With the refurbishment comes luxurious new bedding—lofty, pillow-top mattresses layered in the softest down bedding will tempt guests to tuck themselves in for the duration of their stay. Bathrooms are equally extravagant, with marble vanities and baths.
Connecting guests to the outside world are cable television with movie and sports channels, three telephones with dataports, and high-speed wireless Internet access. Among the many other features are minibars, terry bathrobes and slippers. Twice-daily maid service and 24-hour room service, speaks to Miramonte's commitment to personalized service.
Villa d'Este is ideal for high-level executive retreats or small groups. This separate and private enclave contains four one-bedroom suites, as well as a 3,000-square-foot Presidential Suite with a separate living room and dining/conference area. The 7,800-square-foot "private mansion" offers all the comforts of the Miramonte guest rooms, as well as separate living rooms and deep sunken Jacuzzi tubs with separate showers. Each suite is also outfitted with three televisions, four telephones, Bvlgari bath amenities, and Bose Wave radios.
The discerning guest will encounter a different experience when visiting THE WELL at Miramonte. Opening in Spring 2004, this unique new spa will become the "centerpiece of Miramonte's Tuscan inspired village." The 12,000-square-foot spa will offer 10 outdoor and 9 indoor relaxation suites, four mud bars, two signature river benches and a Watsu pool.
Unique among Southern California spas in its intimacy and attention to detail, THE WELL will be a sanctuary from 21st century living, with classic old-world style. The services offered will incorporate techniques inspired by Tuscan living including therapeutic muds, wine extracts, oils, and refreshing waters.
THE WELL, which will be tranquil and serene, also incorporates an element of playfulness for the "adventurous" spa-goer. One of the signature services, Pittura Festa (Painting Party), encourages guests to find their artistic side - not to mention their inner child - using brushes to paint colorful muds and clays on themselves or a partner's body, face and hair. Post-painting artists can then bask in the warm desert sun in their private cabana while a therapist performs scalp massages and touches upon facial pressure points.
Other distinctive features and services include Watsu, bagno vino (wine bath) and Vichy showers with tables built from 100-year-old Acacia cedar, carved in the shape of mangrove leaves. In addition, two river benches allow couples to lie upon a sculpted stone chaise lounge immersed in a shallow stream of water much like lounging in a natural riverbed. A beverage bar offers spa guests light and healthful refreshment. Guests are welcomed to dine in their spa robes on the patio at Brissago, just a short stroll from THE WELL.
Brissago, named for an idyllic village on Italy's Lake Maggiore, serves Mediterranean-inspired specialties featuring fresh California ingredients presented Tuscan family-style in an inviting and relaxed setting. Executive Chef Darren McCabe uses fresh herbs from the resort's gardens in an array of tempting and artfully presented dishes inspired by the tastes of Italy and the Mediterranean.
One of the unique experiences Chef McCabe brings to Brissago is his personal interaction with each guest. He welcomes the opportunity to prepare a family-style feast or take requests from guests, creating individualized menus based on the freshest ingredients available. Brissago is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
For lighter fare, The Vineyard Lounge offers cocktails, appetizers and entrée selections. Alternatively, guests can choose to dine twenty-four hours a day in the privacy of their room. Private dinners for up to 10 guests can also be arranged in the resort's poolside cabanas.
In addition to Chef McCabe's outstanding cuisine, Miramonte also offers a culinary experience that enhances the village-like feeling of this unique resort. The Merchant of Miramonte tours the village and stops to greet guests. His overflowing bicycle basket contains an array of wines, gourmet breads, charcuterie and artisinal cheeses, which he shares with those desiring a light snack or refreshment.
Meetings at Miramonte Resort & Spa can be held in a variety of unique spaces around the property. Outdoor weddings and banquets are especially popular in the Olive Grove and on the Miramonte lawn, where inspired views of the Santa Rosa Mountains soar in the background. The Piazza is an ideal venue for an event. This second-floor terrace provides fabulous views of the pool, gardens and mountains, and a large fireplace provides warmth and ambience on cool desert evenings.
Personalized service is also an integral part of a Miramonte meeting or event. All meeting and event planners are partnered with their own Event Butler, who can be summoned at anytime by the client. At present, the resort can accommodate groups of up to 500 guests with 12,000 square feet of flexible space; a new ballroom planned for 2005 will add approximately 8,000 square feet and increase capacity to 650.
Guests can relax at either of the resorts two swimming pools, which offer several private cabanas. Bicycling, bocce, lawn chess, croquet, and a variety of outdoor fitness activities, such as yoga, pilates and tai chi are available year round. Miramonte's fitness center is equipped with treadmills, Stair Masters and more.
While the sanctuary-like embrace of the resort may tempt guests to stay within its reach, a venture out has its own rewards. Nearby, 36 holes of championship golf beckon at the Ted Robinson-designed Golf Resort at Indian Wells, which offers preferred pricing and tee times to Miramonte guests. In addition, the world-famous Indian Wells Country Club, home to the PGA Tour's Bob Hope Classic, is adjacent to the resort. Miramonte's golf concierge can arrange preferred tee times on over 100 of the valleys best courses, including PGA WEST, Desert Willow, Landmark and Trilogy to name a few.
Tennis enthusiasts can play at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, where the world's top players compete in the Pacific Life Open. And just minutes away is El Paseo, the "Rodeo Drive of the Desert," with its exclusive shops, restaurants and galleries.
In the words of Pino Luongo, renowned author of Simply Tuscan and an authoritative source on the Tuscan lifestyle, "to be Tuscan is to honor all your senses." Miramonte Resort & Spa inspires guests to do just that, providing them with memories they will treasure for a lifetime.
Miramonte Resort & Spa brings the spirit of Tuscany to the California desert community of Indian Wells, just minutes from Palm Springs. A collection of villas set amidst eleven acres of bougainvillea-filled gardens and Italian fountains, this intimate resort provides sanctuary from the pace of 21st century living. The 215-room village offers guests an unforgettable experience in an extraordinary environment. Whether a stay at Miramonte Resort & Spa is for serious business or pure pleasure, it is sure to be a memorable one.
The Miramonte Resort & Spa is managed by Marcus Hotels & Resorts, a division of The Marcus Corporation and is the only desert property to be selected as a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. For more information or to make a reservation, call 800.237.2926 or visit www.miramonteresort.com.
For more information, contact Wagstaff Worldwide at 323.656.2224.